Monitoring System for Dispensing Service Fluids

ABSTRACT

A system for controlling and safeguarding the dispensing of fluids used in servicing centers is provided. The system is devised to provide lubricants to motor vehicles and includes a programmable system that comprises means to activate and deactivate a plurality of fluid dispensing pumps including a shut down of pump feeding air pressure to prevent fluid spills and to preclude the theft or dispensing of fluids at unauthorized times such as at times outside normal servicing hours. The invention also affords improved central proprietors of servicing facilities to set and monitor operable pump periods and includes an automatic shut down, until reactivated by a master key, of pump functions at a specified time of day.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an improved system for controlling andsafeguarding the dispensing of fluids used in servicing centers such asthose devised to furnish lubricants to motor vehicles. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a programmable system thatcomprises means to activate and deactivate a plurality of fluiddispensing pumps to prevent fluid spills and to preclude the theft ordispensing of fluids at unauthorized times such as at times outsidenormal servicing hours. The invention also affords improved control forproprietors of servicing facilities to set and monitor operable pumpperiods and includes an automatic shut down of pump function capable ofbeing pre-set at a selected time of day and until reactivated byunlocking via a master key.

Various systems are available commercially for monitoring and forinventory control of oil and lubricant fluids dispensed at vehicleservicing centers such as the unit of Samson Corporation of Swannanoa,N.C., referred to as “Control Master.” No system is known for monitoringand automatically controlling the dispensing of servicing fluids,however, in operable times such that pumps will dispense fluids onlyduring limited authorized programmed time periods. Close monitoringcontrol of this kind can be particularly desirable to prevent theft orunauthorized dispensing or leakage of fluids. The system of theinvention is suitable for use with conventional vehicle servicingliquids such as, for example, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) gearoil, antifreeze liquid and motor oils, and other know lubricantsespecially synthetic oils which are relatively very expensive andfrequently are misappropriated if pumps can be made operable at timesother than those times authorized and monitored by the servicing centerproprietor.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is accordingly a primary object to the invention to provide aprogrammable pump operating system for scheduling operable periods forservicing fluid dispensing pumps which include an automatic shut down ata selected time of day such as at the end of the normal work day whenthe servicing facility is closed.

It is another object of the invention to provide a programmable andchangeable servicing pump operating schedule that permits easydeactivation of the pumps to guard against inadvertent spills orunauthorized withdrawal of servicing fluids.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a pump control systemcapable of simultaneously servicing, i.e., operating and shifting down aplurality of servicing fluid supply pumps.

It is another object of the invention to provide an automatic system forscheduling pump operation times including a master key unlocking systemonce shutdown takes place and a visual indicator for signaling pump onand off status.

Additional objects and advantages apparent to those skilled in the artwill be apparent from the drawing and accompanying description whichfollows:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary pump of the kinduseful for controlling/monitoring the dispensing of servicing fluidaccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a centralized servicing center lubricant dispersingmonitoring station of the kind enabling the control of a plurality (sixof which are depicted) of fluid servicing pumps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Depicted in FIG. 1 is a schematic of a conventional pump fluid reservoirarrangement comprising a fluid container tank 28 containing servicingfluid 30 such as motor vehicle lubricating oil and containing a suitablerefill plug 29.

Mounted on the tank is a conventional pump comprising an upper portion20 exterior of the tank 24 and internal pump portions 25 and 26 whichextend down into the servicing fluid 30. A conventional air solenoid 10depicted with armature 14, when activated functions to the entry ofpressurized control air through line 16 from a source (not shown) toactivate pump 20. When the solenoid 10 is activated to the openposition, air pressure operates the pump 20 to propel fluid through line29 to a servicing nozzle (not shown).

Depicted in FIG. 2 is a control console 35 comprising an arrangement ofcomponents which provide means to monitor a plurality of dispensingfluids from a pump with fluid reservoir of the kind depicted in FIG. 1.The console 35 comprises a bank of three programmable control buttons41, 42 and 43 to pre-set the desired times of pump operability. At thetime of setting, the desired information is shown in a display window37. When the setting is complete the display reverts to a time of dayindication.

Shown at 51 through 56 is a series of six individual operable rockerswitches individually operable to enable the solenoid 10 of acorresponding pump. Each of the switches is accompanied by a companioncorresponding ready light, 61 through 66, respectively, to visuallyindicate enablement of its corresponding pump. A master switch 45 whichcuts off the feed of pressurized air, such as the feed at line 16 ofFIG. 1, assures a reliable shut down of the system and precludesunauthorized dispensing of fluid.

Of particular advantage of the invention resides in the pump operatingtimes programming feature via control buttons 41, 42 and 43 whichautomatically shuts down the system, at a predetermined time, withoutfurther intervention, such that air pressure feed to the solenoid 10 isinterrupted and cannot be reactivated until activated via the on/offmaster key switch 45. The automatic shut down feature characterized bythe system of the invention is important as it cuts off the air pressureand guards against accidental leakage of the fluid from tank 24. A leakcan be severe and can persist to the extent that the entire contents ofthe tank would be depleted thereby causing an environmental violation,and is indicative of a situation which can occur in current conventionalsystems that even during nonuse periods are maintained continuouslyunder constant pressure. In systems under constant pressure, when aline, e.g., line 29, leaks or breaks, especially during unattendedperiods, the results from spillage are often catastrophic in terms oflost fluid, clean up costs and environmental and public relationsconsequences.

Although certain preferred embodiments have been illustrated anddescribed, various modifications, equivalents and alternatives willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be defined onlyby the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A system for monitoring and controlling pump means for dispensingvehicle servicing fluids comprising programmable pump operatingmonitoring means for activating and deactivating the fluid dispensingpump and pump feeding air pressure, said monitoring means including anautomatic pump shut down means operable at a predetermined specifiedtime of day and a lock preventing activation of said pump meansincluding pump feeding air pressure following shut down, said lockhaving securing means to prevent unauthorized unlocking and operation ofthe pump means.
 2. The system according to claim 1 which includes aplurality of dispensing pumps operable so as to be monitored each pumpsingly or in combination.
 3. The system of claim 2 which includes aconsole containing a switch in combination with a pump ready visualsignal light for each pump.
 4. The system of claim 3 which includes aset of programmable control buttons for pre-setting pump times and adisplay window for visually confirming the setting of operable pumpperiods.
 5. The system of claim 2 adapted for utilization in anautomotive service center and functioning to dispense lubricating oil.